On November 5, 2002 Jerry Patterson was elected to become the 27th Commissioner of the General Land Office. He was sworn-in on January 3, 2003 and has already pledged to seek re-election to the office in 2006.

Born in Houston, Texas on November 15, 1946 Jerry Patterson has devoted his life to public service. He served his country as a U.S. Marine for over twenty years and served as state Senator for six. Recently, he has also served as state relations director for the American Red Cross.

As State Senator from District 11, Patterson's major legislative successes included passage of the historic concealed handgun law, a constitutional amendment allowing home equity lending, the state coastal management plan and the creation of the Texas State Veterans Home Program. He earned a reputation as a no-nonsense but determined voice for individual freedom and constitutionality. He also worked diligently to honor his fellow veterans.

Patterson graduated Texas A&M, Class of 1969 and received his commission in the United States Marine Corps. In 1972 he volunteered for duty in Vietnam and served there until the "cease-fire". He was later designated as a Naval Flight Officer at Pensacola, Florida and served in Marine fighter squadrons until his retirement from the Marine Corps Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1993.

Jerry and his wife Jennifer reside in Austin. His daughter Emily currently attends South Texas College of Law and lives in Houston. His son Travis is a graduate of Texas A&M, where he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the U.S. Marines. He now serves on active duty as a U.S. Marine attack helicopter pilot.

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